Updates in insomnia diagnosis and treatment

2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 275-289 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Bragg ◽  
JJ Benich ◽  
Natalie Christian ◽  
Josh Visserman ◽  
John Freedy

Introduction Insomnia is the most commonly reported sleep disorder and remains undertreated in many patients. New changes to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, have changed the way insomnia is diagnosed. In patients who suffer from insomnia, a number of available treatment options exist including both behavioral therapy and medications. Literature Review: First line therapy for insomnia should always include behavioral modifications such as sleep hygiene and insomnia-oriented cognitive behavioral therapy. In patients deemed to need pharmacotherapy, first line medications include nonbenzodiazepine hypnotics (i.e., z-drugs) and antidepressants depending on the patients’ needs and comorbidities. The risk of next day impairment, parasomnias, and central nervous system depression are some of the most feared side effects with z-drugs. Second line drug therapy includes melatonin and suvorexant. Several concerns exist for suvorexant similar to other insomnia medications, but melatonin remains one of the safest medication alternatives. Other medication options such as benzodiazepines, antihistamines, and antipsychotics should rarely be used because of weak effectiveness data or serious safety concerns. Discussion The most appropriate treatment plan needs to be tailored to meet the needs of individual patients. Many patient factors (e.g., age, other comorbidities, specific problems with sleep) need to be considered before prescribing drug therapy for patients suffering from insomnia. Medications with the best evidence and fewest safety concerns should be prioritized when clinicians work with patients to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Conclusions Nondrug treatment should be the emphasis for managing insomnia, but several options exist for patients needing multimodal therapy to improve their symptoms and maximize their quality of life. Z-drugs and antidepressants are first line medications options, but other options may be considered when tailored to individual patients. Medications should only be used intermittently and short term until nondrug treatments help to change a patient’s sleep routine.

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Masayoshi Koike ◽  
Mie Yoshimura ◽  
Yasushi Mio ◽  
Shoichi Uezono

Abstract Background Surgical options for patients vary with age and comorbidities, advances in medical technology and patients’ wishes. This complexity can make it difficult for surgeons to determine appropriate treatment plans independently. At our institution, final decisions regarding treatment for patients are made at multidisciplinary meetings, termed High-Risk Conferences, led by the Patient Safety Committee. Methods In this retrospective study, we assessed the reasons for convening High-Risk Conferences, the final decisions made and treatment outcomes using conference records and patient medical records for conferences conducted at our institution from April 2010 to March 2018. Results A total of 410 High-Risk Conferences were conducted for 406 patients during the study period. The department with the most conferences was cardiovascular surgery (24%), and the reasons for convening conferences included the presence of severe comorbidities (51%), highly difficult surgeries (41%) and nonmedical/personal issues (8%). Treatment changes were made for 49 patients (12%), including surgical modifications for 20 patients and surgery cancellation for 29. The most common surgical modification was procedure reduction (16 patients); 4 deaths were reported. Follow-up was available for 21 patients for whom surgery was cancelled, with 11 deaths reported. Conclusions Given that some change to the treatment plan was made for 12% of the patients discussed at the High-Risk Conferences, we conclude that participants of these conferences did not always agree with the original surgical plan and that the multidisciplinary decision-making process of the conferences served to allow for modifications. Many of the modifications involved reductions in procedures to reflect a more conservative approach, which might have decreased perioperative mortality and the incidence of complications as well as unnecessary surgeries. High-risk patients have complex issues, and it is difficult to verify statistically whether outcomes are associated with changes in course of treatment. Nevertheless, these conferences might be useful from a patient safety perspective and minimize the potential for legal disputes.


2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (06) ◽  
pp. 760-770
Author(s):  
Rafid Mustafa ◽  
Narayan R. Kissoon

AbstractLow back pain and neck pain, often with associated radiculopathy, are two of the most common reasons for referral to the outpatient neurology clinic. A thorough clinical evaluation remains paramount in establishing an accurate diagnosis and subsequently an appropriate treatment plan. In this article, we review anatomic considerations for spondylotic radiculopathy; outline the clinical approach for the evaluation of these patients, including discussion of electrodiagnostic and imaging modalities; and address treatment options based on a stratified treatment approach.


2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 637-645
Author(s):  
Maria Chiara Pellegrin ◽  
Alessandro Occhipinti ◽  
Benedetta Bossini ◽  
Stefania Norbedo ◽  
Elena faleschini ◽  
...  

Hyperthyroidism is a rare clinical entity in paediatric age. In most cases the etiology is autoimmune and goiter represents the typical presentation. Ophthalmopathy is rare and can precede the diagnosis of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxicosis caused by the hyperthyroid phase of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis must be carefully distinguished from Graves’ disease (GD), since the first condition has a better prognosis for spontaneous remission. Three treatment options are currently available for the management of paediatric GD. First-line therapy is antithyroid drugs, while thyroidectomy and radioiodine are considered on relapse. A lower remission rate and a higher risk of adverse events are observed after the first course of methimazole in childhood with respect to adulthood. Children and adolescents may require a prolonged antithyroid treatment, but an overall consensus regarding the optimal regimen is lacking.


Author(s):  
Robert C. Macauley

Over the course of childhood a patient’s decision-making capacity evolves. While eighteen is the age of majority in most states, younger patients may well have the ability to process information and make informed decisions. At the same time, the “dual process theory” of maturation reveals that emotional considerations may outweigh cognitive ones. Physicians must understand how to respond to parental requests for nondisclosure of diagnosis and prognosis, as well as differences of opinion between the patient and parents as to appropriate treatment options. Even when a child agrees with her parents regarding a treatment plan, this may reflect undue influence rather than voluntariness. And even when a treatment has a favorable benefit/burden ratio, an adolescent’s refusal may present such a logistical barrier that a modified treatment plan may need to be implemented.


2020 ◽  
pp. 135245852093764
Author(s):  
Yael Hacohen ◽  
Brenda Banwell ◽  
Olga Ciccarelli

Paediatric multiple sclerosis (MS) is associated with higher relapse rate, rapid magnetic resonance imaging lesion accrual early in the disease course and worse cognitive outcome and physical disability in the long term compared to adult-onset disease. Current treatment strategies are largely centre-specific and reliant on adult protocols. The aim of this review is to examine which treatment options should be considered first line for paediatric MS and we attempt to answer the question if injectable first-line disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are still an optimal option. To answer this question, we review the effects of early onset disease on clinical course and outcomes, with specific considerations on risks and benefits of treatments for paediatric MS. Considering the impact of disease activity on brain atrophy, cognitive impairment and development of secondary progressive MS at a younger age, we would recommend treating paediatric MS as a highly active disease, favouring the early use of highly effective DMTs rather than injectable DMTs.


2016 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anja C. Roden ◽  
Eunhee S. Yi

Context Pulmonary Langerhans cell histiocytosis (PLCH) is a rare histiocytic disorder that almost exclusively affects the lungs of smokers. PLCH is characterized by bronchiolocentric nodules and/or cysts in an upper and mid lung distribution with sparing of the costophrenic angles. The diagnosis can be challenging and often requires transbronchial biopsy or surgical lung biopsy. Pulmonary hypertension is a relatively common and sometimes severe complication of PLCH. The pathogenesis of PLCH is still debated. Recently, BRAF V600E mutation and BRAF expression have been identified in some patients with PLCH, suggesting that at least a subset of PLCH has a clonal proliferation. While smoking cessation is the first-line treatment of PLCH, some patients might require additional treatment and eventually transplant. Given that the lesional cells of PLCH express BRAF in some patients, MAPKinase pathway–targeted treatment might be useful for therapy-resistant patients. Objective —To present the more recently recognized clinical and pathologic aspects of PLCH, including pulmonary hypertension in PLCH, pathogenesis, and treatment, as well as the basic diagnostic approach to PLCH. Data Sources Authors' own research, and search of literature database (PubMed) and UpToDate. Conclusions —Despite the recent progress, more studies are needed to elucidate the biology of PLCH for identification of prognostic factors and appropriate treatment options, especially for therapy-refractory PLCH cases.


2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Jeremy D. Lichtman

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) with Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is an efficacious treatment for Tourette Syndrome (TS), with a manualized version available for guiding practitioners through treatment. However, CBIT is still a fairly new treatment for TS and rigorous training in its application is sparse. Additionally, potential treatment considerations are not thoroughly described in the manual. This dissertation presents a systematic case study that specifically analyzes the use of the manual with 10-year-old "Hiro," a South Asian Indian boy with TS who also had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is a confounding factor in the treatment of TS. To do this meant applying flexibility and an "hypothesizing-then-testing" mentality. The creation of an individualized case formulation and an associated treatment plan for Hiro were very valuable components in his treatment. The case study chronicles Hiro's successful treatment and explores how and when adherence to the manual was effective as well as how and when greater flexibility was required. Furthermore, the case study explores factors in the clinician/client relationship and how that relationship can prove a powerful tool in treatment. Options for how to maintain treatment goals after termination are also examined.


2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 462-462
Author(s):  
Noriyuki Akutsu ◽  
Shigeru Sasaki ◽  
Hideyasu Takagi ◽  
Hiroyuki Kaneto ◽  
Kazuhiko Yonezawa ◽  
...  

462 Background: Randomized studies showed that sorafenib significantly improved outcome in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is no clear evidence to support the safety and benefit of continued treatment of sorafenib beyond disease progression (PD) in patients with HCC treated with sorafenib. We prospectively evaluated the safety and efficacy of sorafenib beyond PD in patients with HCC whose disease has progressed after first-line treatment with sorafenib. Methods: Unresectable HCC patients with evaluable lesion were treated with sorafenib until 1st PD, followed by soafenib until 2nd PD. The primary endpoint of the study was the safety after 1st PD until 2nd PD. Secondary endpoints of the study were response rate (RR), disease control rate (DCR), time to first PD (TTP1), time to second PD during continued treatment (TTP2), overall survival (OS), and safety throughout the treatment period. Adverse event was evaluated as per The National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.0. Tumor response was evaluated as per Modified Response Evaluation in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) criteria. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to determine TTP and OS. Results: Of 30 patients enrolled from 6 sites in Japan, 29 patients received sorafenib treatment, and one patient refused chemotherapy. Twenty patients continued sorafenib beyond PD. Grade 3/4 adverse events occurred less frequently during TTP2 than during TTP1. No critical events related to sorafenib were reported during TTP2. In the first-line therapy, 29 patients treated with sorafenib showed RR of 10.3%, DCR of 60.7% and median TTP1 of 102 days. Twenty patients who received continued sorafenib beyond PD and showed RR of 0%, DCR of 45%, and median TTP2 of 77 days. Median survival time was 306 days. Conclusions: Sorafenib beyond PD had acceptable tolerability and considerable efficacy. In the present conditions without second line treatment, sorafenib beyond PD might be one of the treatment options. Clinical trial information: UMIN000005818.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1088-1088 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sylvia Adams ◽  
Sherene Loi ◽  
Deborah Toppmeyer ◽  
David W. Cescon ◽  
Michele De Laurentiis ◽  
...  

1088 Background: Standard first-line treatment for mTNBC is chemotherapy. However, outcomes are poor, and new treatment options are needed. Cohort B of KEYNOTE-086 (NCT02447003) assessed the safety and antitumor activity of pembrolizumab as first-line therapy for patients (pts) with PD-L1–positive mTNBC. Methods: Men and women with centrally confirmed mTNBC, no prior systemic anticancer therapy for metastatic disease, ECOG PS 0-1, and a tumor PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) ≥1% received pembrolizumab 200 mg Q3W for 24 mo or until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or investigator or pt decision. Tumor imaging was performed Q9W for 12 mo and Q12W thereafter. Clinically stable pts with PD could remain on pembrolizumab until PD was confirmed on subsequent assessment. Primary end point was safety. Secondary end points included ORR, DOR, and PFS (RECIST v1.1, central review). Planned enrollment was 80 pts. This analysis included all pts who had ≥18 wk of follow-up as of Nov 10, 2016. Results: 79 of the first 137 pts with PD-L1–evaluable tumors (58%) had PD-L1 CPS ≥1%. Of the first 52 pts enrolled, 100% were women, median age was 53 y, 40% had elevated LDH, 69% had visceral metastases, and 87% received prior (neo)adjuvant therapy. After a median follow-up of 7.0 mo (range 4.4-12.5), 15 (29%) pts remained on pembrolizumab. Treatment-related AEs occurred in 37 (71%) pts, most commonly fatigue (31%), nausea (15%), and diarrhea (13%). 4 (8%) pts experienced 5 grade 3-4 treatment-related AEs: back pain, fatigue, hyponatremia, hypotension, and migraine (n = 1 each). No pts died or discontinued pembrolizumab due to an AE. ORR was 23% (95% CI 14%-36%). Best overall response was CR in 4%, PR in 19%, SD in 17%, PD in 58%, and not assessed in 2%. Median time to response was 8.7 wk (range 8.1-17.7). Median DOR was 8.4 mo (range, 2.1+ to 8.4), with 8 (67%) responses ongoing at cutoff. Median PFS was 2.1 mo (95% CI, 2.0-3.9); estimated 6-mo PFS rate was 29%. Conclusions: Data from the first 52 pts enrolled in KEYNOTE-086 cohort B suggest that pembrolizumab monotherapy has a manageable safety profile and promising antitumor activity as first-line therapy for PD-L1–positive mTNBC. Clinical trial information: NCT02447003.


Blood ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 118 (21) ◽  
pp. 4606-4606
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Knauf ◽  
Wolfgang Abenhardt ◽  
Ali Aldaoud ◽  
Christian Lerchenmüller ◽  
Michaela Koska ◽  
...  

Abstract Abstract 4606 Introduction: The treatment of patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) has changed significantly over the last years. To select an appropriate treatment, multiple factors have to be considered. In particular, the stage of disease, patient’s age, comorbidities and personal preferences, respectively, influence decision making. The clinical tumor registry on lymphoid neoplasms (TLN Registry) conducted by the iOMEDICO AG in collaboration with the Arbeitskreis Klinische Studien (AKS) and the Kompetenznetz Maligne Lymphome (KML) was established to collect data on the daily practice treatment of 3000 non-selected patients with lymphoid neoplasms. Here, we present data regarding treatment and sequences of regimes in patients (pts) with CLL treated by office-based hematologists in Germany. Methods: While targeting 500 CLL pts, the registry prospectively collects data on pts characteristics, tumor history, treatment, response rates and sequences of regimes. In addition data on adverse drug reactions and concomitant diseases are documented. CLL pts older than 18 years receiving a first- or second line therapy which has started no longer than 4 weeks before patient enrolment can be recruited into the registry if informed written consent is present. All pts are followed for 5 years. Currently, 116 sites across Germany are participating. Results: The TLN Registry started in May 2009. Currently, 492 pts with CLL have been recruited. The mean age at the start of first line therapy is 69 years. The majority of pts (63%) are male. About 20% of the pts in first line therapy are treated within clinical trials. Median time between diagnosis and start of first line therapy is 22 months (range 0 – 285 months). Most of the pts receive Bendamustine/Rituximab (BR, 34%) or Fludarabin/Cyclophosphamide/Rituximab (FCR, 21%) in first line therapy. Overall, 97% of the first line therapies were successful (91% CR/PR, 6% SD). In particular, 99% of BR (98% CR/PR, 1% SD) and 100% of FCR (98% CR/PR, 2% SD) therapies were successful. Over time, a change in treatment selection becomes apparent. 50% of the pts started first line therapy before October 2009. They mainly received BR (19%), Bendamustine (16%), FCR (16%) or Chlorambucil (15%), respectively. Pts starting first line therapy after October 2009 mainly received BR (43%) or FCR (24%). Bendamustine-containing regimens are more often used as first line therapy in pts older than 75 years as compared to younger ones (62% vs. 42%). Fludarabine-containing regimens are more often used in pts younger than 75 years (37% vs. 6%). Similar to the first line therapy, BR is the most often used second line therapy (52%). About 41% of the pts have completed first line therapy and have not yet started second line therapy. The median treatment-free interval since the end of the first line therapy is 10 months. Data on second line therapy are available in 24% of the pts. The majority of these pts (73%) were recruited at the start of second line therapy. Most of them receive BR as second line therapy after first line therapy either with Chlorambucil (17%) or Bendamustine (13%). The median treatment-free interval between the end of first line therapy and the start of second line therapy is 16 months (range 1 – 49 months). Conclusion: The registry provides an overview on particularities and changes in routine treatment of pts with CLL treated by office-based hematologists in Germany. Implementation of new standards affecting treatment preferences are currently under evaluation. BR and FCR are widely accepted and very effective as first line therapies. Our data indicate that age is an important factor for selecting the appropriate treatment. Further analyses will investigate additional variables influencing the choice of treatment. With more data becoming available the sequences of regimes and their effectiveness can be analyzed. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.


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